Technology
This is a big topic, but also an exciting one. In previous generations, technology meant washing machines, and simple computers. Today we're using technology to transfer money in seconds, and to access information in a way that wasn't possible before. Imagine you watched a TED talk every day for a month. How much would you learn?
We can listen to music, watch a movie, order food, get a taxi with just a few clicks on a screen!
Uber is reducing the number of cars on the road.
Paypal and Patreon are allowing the arts to flourish by empowering anyone with a computer and a dollar a month to fund their favourite youtube channel.
Kiva is allowing individuals around the world to loan their money to entrepreneurs in developing countries.
The internet is empowering all of you! Right now you are using it to practice your English... for free!
Beyond that, technology is replacing drivers in cars, and it is sending satellites to land on asteroids. Soon, we'll be sending more people to Moon and to Mars. And what about Virtual reality and Robots? These are all things we'll have to discuss soon.
So what do you need to understand about technology for your English exams?
1. Technology changes the world in unpredictable ways. We did not expect smart-phones to lead to Uber. So what will happen when we no longer use phones, but something smaller like Google Glass or the Meta headset?
2. We still have a far way to go. We are still creating new materials. Steel and concrete are currently the main materials we use in construction. What happens when we develop newer, stronger, and lighter materials?
3. While it may make life more convenient, is technology making us fundamentally happier?
Let's look at a few ways that technology is changing the world.
We can listen to music, watch a movie, order food, get a taxi with just a few clicks on a screen!
Uber is reducing the number of cars on the road.
Paypal and Patreon are allowing the arts to flourish by empowering anyone with a computer and a dollar a month to fund their favourite youtube channel.
Kiva is allowing individuals around the world to loan their money to entrepreneurs in developing countries.
The internet is empowering all of you! Right now you are using it to practice your English... for free!
Beyond that, technology is replacing drivers in cars, and it is sending satellites to land on asteroids. Soon, we'll be sending more people to Moon and to Mars. And what about Virtual reality and Robots? These are all things we'll have to discuss soon.
So what do you need to understand about technology for your English exams?
1. Technology changes the world in unpredictable ways. We did not expect smart-phones to lead to Uber. So what will happen when we no longer use phones, but something smaller like Google Glass or the Meta headset?
2. We still have a far way to go. We are still creating new materials. Steel and concrete are currently the main materials we use in construction. What happens when we develop newer, stronger, and lighter materials?
3. While it may make life more convenient, is technology making us fundamentally happier?
Let's look at a few ways that technology is changing the world.
Using Technology to Help People
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In this video Krista Donaldson shows how for only $80 an amputee can get an effective knee prosthetic.
Prosthetic knees have a variety of issues that need to be considered in the design; comfort, appearance, and material are just a few. But for some people the high-end prosthetics are simply too expensive. This one is affordable and scale-able; it can be mass-produced and fitted to those in need by doctors. This is one of the many problems that engineers are finding solutions to in today's surge of technological development. Also, this is a market-based product. It is produced at a (small) profit, enabling production to be sustainable, and profits reinvested. P Profit helps people too. It doesn't just make us rich. |
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Using Technology to CommunicateIs this the future?
Imagine your phones are replaced with a pair of glasses! And imagine having phone conversations with a projection of your friend and passing files in Augmented Reality. It's not far away. Just remember this, if smartphones changed how we take taxis, order food and play video games, how will this change our world? Problems with our current phone models: they interrupt our interactions. As soon as our phones light up, we drop our focus. This technology uses telecommunications to enhance our interactions. Imagine 10 years from now. This head-set will be a few small strips of plastic on a pair of glasses! Imagine a world without tablet phones! |
The Dangers of Technology
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AntibioticsThe first time I was given anti-biotics, the doctors was very serious about it. "Do not use them unless it is absolutely necessary."
So I never used them. Years later, I had a common cold and the doctor gave me anti-biotics without any hesitation. If you get a cold, lemon, ginger, and garlic are probably better for you than antibiotics. However, this video discusses some of the key issues with how we use, and sometimes abuse, antibiotics. |
Sadly, their overuse has rendered one key antibiotic (colistin) useless. Bacteria have developed a resistance to it. This is dangerous as people will not be able to use it anymore.
As a side-note, this is another reason why it may be worth reducing your animal-based protein intake. Personally, I think the main benefit from eating less meat (but still getting protein) is better sleep and more energy throughout the day.
As a side-note, this is another reason why it may be worth reducing your animal-based protein intake. Personally, I think the main benefit from eating less meat (but still getting protein) is better sleep and more energy throughout the day.